Source:Souvenir Programme
The Home Guard at Wickersley
Wickersley commenced its contribution to the Home Guard immediately after Mr. Eden's broadcast, and grew to be a very strong force which carried on right up to the order being given to 'stand down' . Wickersley provided "A" Company of the 61st Battalion West Riding Home Guard with a maximum strength of nearly four hundred. Two Platoons of the Company were Wickersley men, and there was also a platoon at Bramley, Sunnyside and Ravenfield.
The original commander was Mr. H. E. Lowe with Mr. W. G. Dent as second in command, but these two gentlemen eventually became Commander and Second-in-Command of the 61st Battalion. Lt. Col. H. E. Lowe received the award of O.B.E. in December, 1945 and Major W. G. Dent was awarded the M.B.E. in the New Year Honours List, January 1st 1944, Sgt. John Clarke of 'A' Company who amongst many others did yeoman service for 'A' Company was awarded the B.E.M. in December 1945. Lieut. John Mulroy and Sgt. Clarke received certificates for meritorious service with 'A' Company. Apart from Home Guard duties, 'A' Company gave substantial help in all the special Savings weeks which were held during the war in Wickersley. Mention must be made of the Ladies section at Wickersley, and it can be said they played no small part in assisting in catering, Signals and Intelligence. The Headquarter of the Company were at the old cafe in the centre of the village, and throughout the war guards were maintained, and nothing suspicious was ever allowed to pass unobserved. Without a doubt had the Home Guard been called into action the men and women of Wickersley would not have been found wanting. The Company provided many of its members to serve a very worthy part in all branches of the services, and their training in the Home Guard brought to them rapid promotion. Major Selby Johnson who took over the command of the company after Lt. Col. Lowe left, assisted by many capable officers, N.C.O’s., and other ranks is to be congratulated on having one of the finest and most efficient companies in the Country.